Art Detour, Phoenix’s signature celebration of arts and culture returns March 16-19, 2017, with a four-day slate of diverse activities created by local artists and art venues as a reflection of the growing, vibrant Phoenix arts scene.

The 29th year kicks off with the 5th annual Art d’Core Gala, followed by a special Third Friday Gallery Night of exhibitions and artist receptions, and a Saturday and Sunday schedule of demonstrations, workshops, installations and more. The event is produced by Artlink Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, in partnership with the City of Phoenix and Downtown Phoenix Inc.

Named as “one of the most important events in Phoenix’s calendar” by City of Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton, Art Detour invites visitors to witness the vital Phoenix arts community in many varied forms.

Visitors can meet with emerging and established artists, some in their own studios, some in the galleries; to experience demonstrations, engage in lively discussions; and find original works from a talented pool of Phoenix artists who are exporting their expressions to cities around the world.

For a detailed event schedule including these and other events, visit artdetour.com.

(The event calendar is powered by Phoenix Urban Guide (“PUG”) a project of Artlink in partnership with the City Of Phoenix).

Getting Around – Extended Shuttle Service
For the first time, Artlink will provide complimentary shuttle service on the Third Friday Gallery Night in addition to the Saturday and Sunday daytime hours. The shuttles enable the public to park the car or bike and hop on or off in downtown districts including Historic Grand Avenue, Roosevelt Row, Central Arts District and Phoenix Warehouse District. Knowledgeable volunteer docents staff the trolleys which will run 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, March 17, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, March 18-19. Get the trolley route map and more information here.

A Party to Kick off the Weekend
The annual celebration begins Thursday, March 16, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the 5th annual Art d’Core Gala. Held at Warehouse 215 @ Bentley Projects, 215 E. Grant St. in the heart of the emerging and dynamic Warehouse District, the gala will feature a one-night-only exhibition of works in a variety of media, created by well-established Phoenix-area artists Christine Cassano, Bill Dambrova, Pete Deise, Jeff Falk, Fortoul Brothers, William LeGoullon, Annie Lopez, Ann Morton, Rembrandt Quiballo, Joe Ray, Randy Slack, and Marilyn Szabo. Don’t miss a “Toast to Downtown’” by Mayor Greg Stanton to commence the event. Proceeds from the gala support Artlink, a portion of which will contribute to a new artist development fund designed to help provide direct financial support to local artists. Buy tickets here.

About Artlink Inc.
Artlink keeps the arts integral to the development of our city by connecting artists, business and community. Artlink supports a variety of community-based art events, including complimentary Trolley Tours during the monthly First Friday Art Walk, one of the nation’s largest self-guided art walks; a pop-up gallery program; the Infusion arts initiative; and the annual Juried Exhibition, Art Detour, and Art d’Core Gala. Artlink is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and is supported by City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture, Downtown Phoenix Inc., Arizona Commission on the Arts, Phoenix Art Museum, The Arizona Republic, Dunn Transportation, Roosevelt Row CDC, Warehouse District, Central Arts District and Historic Grand Avenue. Visit www.artlinkphx.org to sign up for the Artlink newsletter or connect socially on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Artlink Collaborates with the Phoenix Arts Community on a Four-Day Weekend Schedule of Activities and Installations

PHOENIX — The event that helped launch the First Fridays Art Walk phenomenon is expanding from two to four days in 2017. Art Detour 29 on March 16-19 will feature a diverse slate of activities created by local artists and art venues to celebrate the growing, vibrant Phoenix arts scene.

The 29th year of this signature arts and culture event includes the 5th annual Art d’Core Gala, a special Third Friday Gallery Night, and an Art Detour weekend schedule of demonstrations, installations and more. The event is produced by Artlink Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, in partnership with the City of Phoenix and Downtown Phoenix Inc.

Named as “one of the most important events in Phoenix’s calendar” by City of Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton, Art Detour encourages conversation and inquiry, and directly connects the public with the artists in our community. The event is a result of a collaboration between artists, galleries, cultural venues and businesses offering their spaces for one-time exhibitions. Visitors are invited to witness the vital Phoenix arts community in many varied forms.

“We consider Art Detour 29 the penultimate event of a significant 30-year history of Artlink and for the Phoenix arts scene as a whole,” said Catrina Kahler, Artlink board president. “Artists have created much more than their own work in this time. They have contributed to our environment, built businesses, developed districts, and created a textured downtown for the sixth largest city in the nation. Art Detour tells this story and invites Phoenicians and springtime visitors to buy art for their home or tickets to a performance, all in support and celebration of our city’s creative economy and culture.”

A Party to Kick off the Weekend
The annual celebration begins Thursday evening, March 16, at the 5th annual Art d’Core Gala. Held at Warehouse215 @ Bentley Projects in the heart of the emerging and dynamic Warehouse District. This fun spin on a traditional “gala” annually spotlights the significant contribution of the arts in creating a dynamic city.

The Art d’Core Gala is hosted in partnership with the Office of the Mayor, City of Phoenix Office of Arts & Culture, and Downtown Phoenix Inc. This is a ticketed event and proceeds benefit Artlink Inc. Tickets go on sale January 16, 2017.

Take a Detour Beyond Phoenix’s First Fridays
Did you know artists don’t open their studios to the public on the popular First Fridays? Or that galleries don’t always schedule their exhibition openings on these nights? First Friday only skims the surface of what makes Phoenix’s arts community special.

Art Detour 29 is an invitation to take a deeper dive, by meeting with established and emerging artists, some as special engagements in their own studios; experiencing demonstrations and discussions; and finding original works from a talented pool of Phoenix artists who are exporting their work to cities around the world.

Expanded Hours
In addition to these daytime activities, Art Detour 29 will feature an expanded and varied schedule, with some events taking place outdoors, capitalizing on Phoenix’s pleasant March weather. This includes a morning walk and nighttime events and openings, coinciding with March Third Friday “Gallery Night.” A sample of these unique happenings includes:

7 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 17-18 – “Intersection” is a temporary digital projection project designed to transform a public space in downtown Phoenix. The second in a series, this installation combines video, sound, and interactivity powered by advanced rear-projection digital technology to morph a building into a glowing canvas after dark. This project is a partnership between the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture and Downtown Phoenix Inc. Visit phoenix.gov/arts.

8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, March 18 – The Alwun House hosts the 33rd Annual Exotic Art Show Finale, featuring House of Cirque and Ernesto Moncado. Mature subject matter, under 18 accompanied by an adult. This is a ticketed event and proceeds benefit Alwun House Foundation. Visit alwunhouse.org.

Mixed Media Happy Hours in January – An Invitation to CREATE Art Detour
Two events are scheduled to bring together participating artists, organizations and businesses to create a bigger and better Detour experience for patrons.

Artlink is hosting two “Mixed Media” happy hours, on January 19 and January 25, in Historic Grand Avenue and in Roosevelt Row, to cultivate and collaborate on ideas for the upcoming Art Detour 29.

Mixed Media – Who Should Attend?

Artists who can open their central Phoenix studios for demonstrations or classes during the weekend. These studio tours are a fundamental component of Art Detour.

Artists and organizations interested in adding a special performance event (music/dance/spoken word/etc.) to the Detour schedule.

Businesses and venues looking to host an exhibition or performance.

Those interested in participating are invited to register as official Artlink “Articipants” — artists, art venues, business and community members who regularly participate in the Phoenix arts scene — to be included in Art Detour promotions and Artlink’s other year-round communications.

March 16, 6 to 9 p.m.
Art D’Core Gala. The arts party of the year! Tickets go on sale January 16, 2017.

March 17, 6 to 10 p.m.
Pre-Detour Third Friday. A special gallery night of exhibition openings and receptions.

March 18-19
The Art Detour! Phoenix’s original art walk includes studio visits, art space tours and one-time exhibits and installations. A map and shuttles will guide visitors throughout the weekend.

Getting Around
Artlink will once again provide shuttle service enabling the public to park the car or bike and hop on or off at galleries throughout downtown. Knowledgeable docents staff the trolleys helping to guide new and returning visitors. Scheduled times for the trolley are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, March 18-19.

About Artlink Inc.
Artlink keeps the arts integral to the development of our city by connecting artists, business and community. Artlink supports a variety of community-based art events, including complimentary Trolley Tours during the monthly First Friday Art Walk, one of the nation’s largest self-guided art walks; a pop-up gallery program; the Infusion arts initiative; and the annual Juried Exhibition, Art Detour, and Art d’Core Gala. Artlink is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and is supported by City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture, Downtown Phoenix Inc., Arizona Commission on the Arts, Phoenix Art Museum, The Arizona Republic, Dunn Transportation, Roosevelt Row CDC, Warehouse District, Central Arts District and Historic Grand Avenue. Visit artlinkphx.org to sign up for the Artlink newsletter or connect socially on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Two events are scheduled to bring together participating artists and arts businesses to create a bigger and better Detour experience for patrons.

Artlink invites its “Articipants” — area artists, art venues, business and community members who regularly participate in the Phoenix arts scene — to attend one of two happy hour events in January to celebrate and collaborate on ideas for the upcoming Art Detour 29.